"Why Didn't the Bus Driver Stop to Pick Me Up?"

TriMet TV Episode 35 · December 22, 2009 · 1:52

It's frustrating when a bus zooms by without stopping for you. Find out why and what you can do to be sure the driver sees you.

Text transcript of this episode

Hi, I'm Shirley Carter and I'm a TriMet bus operator. Today, I'm here to answer some more of your questions.

This one is from Sandra in Portland. She writes:  "The other day, I was waiting at the stop and the bus driver drove right by me! She didn't even bother to slow down. Why didn't she stop?"

Hi Sandra. Well, this can happen for one of two reasons. First, the operator may have passed you up because she just didn't see you. When it's dark out, you can make yourself more visible by wearing light-colored clothing or reflective strips. As the bus approaches, wave to the operator to get their attention. At night it helps to wave a cell phone, safety strobe or a small flashlight.

Now, if the operator did see you, but didn't stop to pick you up, it could have been because her bus was full. This can happen during rush hour when there are lots of people riding. In this case, there's usually another bus arriving within a few minutes, so hang tight…

And finally, when you see a bus labeled "Drop-Off Only," that means it's not picking up riders at all. It's either full, or at the end of its route.

Thanks for the question, Sandra. Do you have a question for us? Send an email to tv@trimet.org, or call 503-238-RIDE. See you on board!